Late getting to the thread, but gotta say that's a definate change in recent direction!

So Dan, how does one get on the test team?

If it is a marketing ploy it has worked!

I am hoping it is far enough out that I can get more funds together. I am wanting my S5, a S5 LE, a DF or DF LE, Waki, and the Regulator now.

That's not really true. In fact, it would be much more accurate to say that the only thing that is the same about the Regulator is that it is SR101 and it has a Res-C handle. That leaves a lot of territory, unless you are of the opinion that knives made of the same material are all the same. Just because something is expected to work well does not serve as indication that it cannot work better. Sure, it works, but how well does it work? Could it be improved upon? Actually, I think that is the point of research and testing. What do you feel is the point of research and testing?

It wouldn't bother me at all. I have plenty to amuse myself with in the meantime. Hell, I wouldn't even have to be subjected to pictures of the "Test Team" having fun with it before I could buy one.

In what way is that a marketing success? If he just released them to all of dogdom, they would have sold extremely well based on the pictures and specs alone. But they were released only to those at Blade and sold only to those at Blade. Explain how selling fewer knives at a given price is better marketing than selling more knives at the same given price.

Magic.

I like that this means that the Regulator Bowie won't be out for roughly 6 months. That gives us(by which i mean me) more time to save up for at least 2 because we(me again) bought 2 Rodent Wakis. And maybe Dan will decide to bring out a version with a 10" blade *hint hint*

I hope that the test team doesn't go on for too long. This seems like it will be a great knife, and maybe Dan will produce the DF next (fingers crossed...hope you are reading this, Dan <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> )

Actually, I kind of think I would like a Battle Rat sized version of the Regulator. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Very true Bruce. And.........in an economy that grows worse by the day it " might not" be a good business move at all. I am one of the odd balls on this board as I am older than just about all of ya'll and have what they call disposable income. I will buy these knives either way but if it gets too difficult to purchase- I might miss a few models. I am vacationing MANY days a year and try to check this board as often as possible as not to miss anything.Many of you guys are a very loyal customer base and spend your hard earned bucks on this steel. I would rather have you guys speak out and say what you want.As for testing- I only know of a " few" here that would ever push the limits of these knives. maybe Jimmie- Peter and a few others use these for " tools of the trade" . I use mine in the woods for hunting- fishing etc as I live right smack dab in the middle of a national recreation area for this. If Dan needs feedback- let's have Bruce put some more polls out there and see what you guys want or need. Or- pick a qualified test team from the yard and have them test BEFORE a blade is released. The customer base of the yard needs to speak here- the guys that buy the most knives that is. Shouldn't be too hard to find out who that is. Just some thoughts-Thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />